12 military combat techniques

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12 U.S. Military Combat Techniques That Could Save Your Life


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12 U.S. MILITARY COMBATTECHNIQUES

That Could Save Your Life

By

Craig Mutton(Clan MacAvram)

Access To Destiny BooksBelton, SC


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Copyright 2006By Craig Mutton

DISCLAIMER

Fights are dangerous and unpredictable. Training to fightalso carries with it certain risks. The author does notrecommend or advise that anyone engage in theseactivities.

Due to varying physical, psychological and ethical

differences between individuals, the author can make noguarantees as to the suitability of any technique in this

book with regard to the reader or his circumstances.

This book is published as an educational and informationalservice to the reader. The reader assumes all liability for thedecision to use or practice any activity described in this

book.


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DEDICATION

TO MY BARBER & RANGE BUDDY:

Hes been there for me when the chips were down

Id trust him to watch my back in any situation

Im proud to call him my friend

You know who you are, bro, and this ones for you.


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Dear Fellow-Warrior,

I want to both thank and congratulate you for purchasing 12 U.S. MILITARY COMBATTECHNIQUES THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE. If you're new to self defense training, you'vepicked a great place to start: with techniques that are devastatingly effective, have a relativelyshort learning curve and will stick with you. If you're more experienced in the martial arts or selfdefense, you're about to complement your other training with classic techniques that will pull you

through when the chips are down.

To show my appreciation for buying my book, let me tell you about the free premiums that comewith your purchase. First, there's HOW TO MASTER YOUR FEAR. Much of the book comes outmy struggles since childhood with various fears. From irrational fears like the fear of bridges orfear of the dark, to the very real fear of facing some dirtball who wants to beat you to a pulp, the

book will give you all the tips and tricks I've learned over the years to bring your fear undercontrol and even to make it your servant. Personally, I think this e-book is worth many times itsprice tag, but you can download just because you're my customer at:

http://www.lulu.com/content/295863

Then you'll also want to download PERSONAL SELF DEFENSE AND THE GREATCOMMISSION. It's a book from the Christian perspective on when and why it's right to defend

yourself from violent attack. In some circumstances it's right to turn the other cheek -- but notwhen your assailant is about to hit you with a brick. A lot of people are surprised what the Biblereally has to say about this topic (hint: the Bible is not a book for pacifists -- remember David &Goliath?) As the old Kenny Rogers song says, "Sometimes you have to fight, if you're a man."Here's the URL where you can download this valuable little e-book:


Finally, there's the classic martial arts text: THE SECRETS OF JUJITSU. I've trained in GoshinRyu JuJitsu. & I know that it's not easy to learn without a qualified instructor. This book byCaptain Allan C Smith, however, makes it possible for anyone with a willing training partner tolearn -- even master -- the most important aspects of the art. It's filled not only with techniques,

but with drills that help you internalize and use balance, leverage and the STAHARA -- every

person's center of physical power. Don't look for it on -Bay where you'll pay big bucks; downloadit here for free because you bought this book:


Those are all the premiums I promised you when you bought 12 U.S. MILITARY COMBATTECHIQUES THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE. But, since you are my customer, I want to makesure that you get just a little more than you bargained for. If you will send an email to the address

below, you'll receive an automatic response that will give you a link to an e-book by a true KungFu master. The name of the e-book is AUTOMATIC SELF DEFENSE, and it contains a distillationof self defense principles, strategy and tactics. In about 20 pages you'll get the same usefulknowledge that you'd get from reading two or three good books on the subject -- and you'll get itin concentrated form. Send an email to:

[email protected]

If you send for AUTOMATIC SELF DEFENSE, I will not sell or share your email address withanyone. I may, from time to time, send you an update on other great self defense materials as they

become available.

May you survive and flourish,

Craig Mutton (Clan MacAvram)
http://www.lulu.com/content/295886http://www.lulu.com/content/295886


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CONTENTS

Preliminary Matters

Sources 3

Getting Tough 7

Your Combat Posture 13

Training Principles 19

Fundamental Principles of Close Combat 26

Techniques

Long-Range Techniques

Technique #1 Side Kick to Knee 30

Technique #2 Shin Kick to Thigh 34

Mid-Range Techniques

Technique #3 Judo Chop (Inside) 38

Technique #4 Judo Chop (Outside) 40

Techniques #5&6 Palm Heel/Tiger Claw 42

Close-Range Techniques

Technique #7 Elbow Strike (Vertical) 46

Technique #8 Elbow Strike (Horizontal) 48

Technique #9 Elbow Strike (Rear) 50

Technique #10 Knee Strike (Vertical) 52

Technique #11 Knee Strike (Vertical, 2) 54

Technique #12 Knee Strike (Horizontal) 56Bonus Information

Bonus #1 (Vital Points) 60

Bonus #2 (Use of the Thumb) 66

Bonus #3 (Breaking Holds) 68


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SOURCES


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Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show

out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

The BibleJames 3:13


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SOURCES

These are the major sources for illustrations and information:

US Army Field Manual 21-150, 1992 (FM 21-150)

US Army Field Manual 3-25-150, 2002 (FM 3-25-150)

USMC Manual MCRP 3-02B, 1999 (MCRP)

Defensive Hand to Hand Combat, US Navy Aviation Bureautraining film, 1942 (USNTF)

I have taken a few short quotes from the following sources:

Get Tough! by WE Fairbairn, D Appleton Century Co., NY, 1943.

Kill or Get Killedby Rex Applegate, Paladin Press, Boulder CO,

1976.

I have used these sources for reference:

American Combat Judo by Bernard Cosneck

Cold Steelby John Styer

Do or Die by AJ D Biddle

How to Fight Tough by Jack Dempsey


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Let not him that girdeth on his [armor] boast himself as he that putteth it off.The Bible

I Kings 20:11


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GETTING TOUGH


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Rule of Combat-Utility:

A techniques utility is inversely proportional to its complexity.


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GETTING TOUGH

Someone who looks to US military combat manuals for self defensetechniques is bound to be disappointed. If youve ever checked them

out, youve found an array of techniques that are often complex,confusing and difficult to master. One of the problems with themilitarys approach to hand-to-hand combat is that it is subject tothe shifting sands of fashion as well as to politics.

For example, a few years ago ground grapplers started winning theUltimate Fighting Championships. Soon, both the Army and theMarine Corps included ground grappling sections in their manuals.This occurred in spite of the fact that in life-or-death combat, themost effective techniques are not those which take the enemy to the

ground, but those which sendthe enemy to the ground.

This does not mean that military manuals are totally useless tosomeone looking for self-defense instruction. The seeker who knows

what hes looking for can find buried treasure within their pages.Simple, effective, easy-to-learn techniques lie hidden in plain sight.

These techniques are vestiges of a system of close combat that themilitary abandoned long ago. Under it, trainees quickly learned

brutally efficient hand-to-hand methods marked by simplicity. That

system came to Americas shores from Great Britain during WorldWar II.

In 1939, England found itself unprepared for the war with Germany.Along with everything else it needed, the nation required training forits troops. To help fill that need, they called on WE Fairbairn, aretired innovator of training in the Shanghai police force.

Fairbairn turned British Commandoes into world class hand-to-hand fighters. His success caught the attention of allies who sent

reps (like Americas Rex Applegate) to learn Fairbairns methodsand bring them back home. Those methods became the basis fortraining elite groups like the OSS (forerunner of the CIA).

Fairbairn recorded the core of his combat techniques in his 1942book, All In Fighting (published in the US under the title GetTough!).


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If you scan the book, youll soon see the reasons for his success. Histechniques are:

1. Brutally effective they really have the capacity to quicklydispatch an enemy;

2. Simple they are gross motor movements that do not requirefine muscle control;

3.Accessible average people can learn these techniques inhours and master them in days (as opposed to years for mostmartial arts);

4. Neurally imprinted there are stories of WWII vets trained inthese methods still able defend themselves forty and fifty years

later; this demonstrates that the techniques become secondnature.

Fairbairn did not invent these techniques. They have, no doubt, exis-ted from near the time that Cain slew Abel. Fairbairn merely isolatedthem and put them together into a package.

During and immediately after WWII you could see the influence ofFairbairn, Applegate and a handful of others who sought to perfecthand-to-hand methods in the crucible of combat. American close

quarters combat training, however, changed over time. It makeslittle difference whether the main reason lies in politics or the beliefthat the newest fad must be better than the tried-and-true. You cantrace the changes through the various editions of US militarytraining manuals.

Interestingly, though, some old, simple and effective methods docontinue to crop up. Often the photos and illustrations show how toperform the techniques more clearly than illustrations in some of theoriginal material, such as Fairbairns Get Tough! I have identified,

extracted and assembled these techniques and put them all togetherin this volume.

Ive limited myself to a dozen simple, direct techniques proven towork. With a little practice, you can learn them to use them for yourown self defense.


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Of course, I can make no guarantees that this book will turn you intosome kind of unconquerable fighter. Violent encounters are notor-iously unpredictable. And different people have different levels ofphysical ability.

Therefore, it will help if you pursue a physical fitness program along-side your close combat training.

Beyond that, hand-to-hand fighting is a last-ditch measure for whenyouve lost your weapon or left it behind and your avoidance andevasion tactics have failed. Nevertheless, an individual who applieshimself to the contents of these pages should measurably increasehis chances of surviving a violent physical encounter.

Since Ive mentioned avoidance and evasion tactics, let me empha-

size that this book focuses on technique. Techniques gain maximumeffectiveness when you integrate them into a comprehensivestrategic and tactical plan. I do have a book on the strategy andtactics of personal security in the works. But in the meantime, youcan benefit from a bare-bones tactical arrangement of the material.

I begin with long-range techniques so you can catch your attackercoming in. The mid-range techniques enable you to deal with him ashe closes the distance. Close-range techniques are there in the event

your opponent is a grappler who wants to get up close and personal.

Let me finish this chapter with a word on mindset. Getting tough isnot just about learning a few dynamite techniques. Toughness is amental attitude marked by a refusal to accept anything less thantotal victory.

Winston Churchills words to his countrymen in the dark hours ofwar apply here: Never give up. You will find more about mindset inthe chapter titled Fundamental Principles of Close Combat.


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. . . and having done all, to stand.The Bible

Ephesians 6:13


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YOUR COMBAT

POSTURE


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Make your fighting stance your everyday stance; make your everyday

stance your fighting stance.

Musashi (Japanese Master of the Sword)(As quoted by Tony Blauer in Personal

Defense: Non-Violent Postures1)

1Journal of Non-Lethal Combatives, May, 2003; view at:http://ejmas.com/jnc/jncart_blauer_0503.htm


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Your Combat Posture

The appropriate combat stance permits easy, fluid movement whilemaintaining balance. Often, instructors place too much emphasis on

the position of hands and feet, and not enough on how to stand.Your combat stance should be easy and relaxed, with spine erect. Ifyou lean forward, you compromise your balance and make quickmovement impossible. A good fighting posture will enable you tomaintain your balance as you increase your speed and power.

In this chapter, I intend to show you how to learn good posturalhabits that will not only benefit your health and comfort, but alsogive you a base from which to launch into Close Combat.

The Role of the Cervical Spine

The spine is designed to support the weight of the body yet stillpermit remarkable flexibility. It can do this because its structureutilizes separate vertebrae arranged in gentle curves. The spine hastwo main curves inward: at the neck, and below the shoulder blades.(Diagram,Normal Spine Curve)

Figure 1

Good posture requires maintaining those gentle curves in the spine.Most people, however, dont manage this very well. Whether itsthrough ignorance, fatigue or poorly designed furniture, they lettheir heads sink down into their necks. This forces the curve at theneck or cervical portion of the spine to become more acute.(Diagram,Bad Spine Curve)


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Ive seen x-rays of people whose necks had even more angular curvesthan shown in the diagram. When this happens, it affects the rest ofthe spine. The dowagers hump and the swayback (with protruding

buttocks) both result from an incorrect curvature of the neck.

Its important to realize that the neck sets the posture for the rest ofthe body.

Two Simple Tricks that Will Improve Your Posture

With all the foregoing in mind, lets begin to correct your posture sothat it will serve you well in everyday activities as well as in combat.In the exercises that follow, its important to keep your shouldersrelaxed and hanging loosely.

First, sit or stand in a comfortable place. Now, visualize that you area marionette or string puppet. You have a string attached to the topof your head. The puppeteer pulls the string taut to bring youupright.

Feel the string pull you upright. As your head rises, the curve in yourneck will become less acute, a little more normal. Remember to keep

your shoulders relaxed.

I like to practice this posture in church. I sit up straight in the pewand let the invisible string lift my head. I have found that doing thisfrees up my vocal chords for both singing and speaking.

I believe that if you practice just this one exercise that it willeventually correct the other exaggerated curves in your back. Never-theless, to expedite the process, you may want to practice the secondexercise, below. The first exercise corrects the curve of the upperspine, and the second corrects the curve of the lower spine.

When the lower spine develops an exaggerated curve, the pelvis tiltsforward. This has the effect of spilling the intestines, so that thelower abdomen sags and sticks out. The pelvic tilt also causes the

buttocks to stick out in the back.

To correct these tendencies, stand with your shoulders relaxed andgently but firmly lift your head as in the exercise above. Now, tightenthe gluteal (buttock) muscles and rotate your pelvis so that it rises infront and lowers in back.

If you have trouble telling whether or not youve done it correctly,stand with your back to a wall. Place your hand in the space between


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the small of your back and the wall. As you rotate your pelvis, youshould feel the space get smaller.

On a final note, you will improve your balance if you keep your knees

slightly flexed. This lowers your center of gravity. It takes a littlepractice to do this without leaning forward.

Figure 2

This frame from a WWII closecombat training film shows thesame combat posture that I teach.Note that the man on the right hasgood lower body alignment but hishead leans too far forward. Theman on the left shows goodalignment and looks relaxed.

The basic body stance is one ofeasy balance, deceptively relaxedbut actually always ready for quick

counter attacks.Defensive Hand to Hand Combat,

Lt. Commander Wesley Brown,Jr., US Navy Aviation Bureautraining film, 1942.


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And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained serv-ants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.

The BibleGenesis 14:14


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TRAINING

PRINCIPLES


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Rule of Training: Realism

Since you will fight as you train, you must train as you want to fight.


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Training Principles

The US Military must train soldiers to a proficient level in minimumtime. Therefore, it would be wise to look at their training methods.

The following comes from Army Field Manual 21-150.

CRAWL, WALK, AND RUN

Training can be conducted using the crawl, walk, and run tech-niques . . . .

1. Crawl phase. New techniques should be introduced, taught,demonstrated, and executed by the numbers.

2. Walk phase. During this phase, soldiers practice the new

techniques by the numbers, but with more fluid movementand less instructor guidance.

3.Run phase. Soldiers execute the techniques at combat speedwith no guidance . . . .

DEMONSTRATIONS

A well-coordinated demonstration and professional demonstratorsare crucial for successful learning by soldiers. Unrehearsed

presentations or inadequately trained demonstrators can immedi-ately destroy the credibility of the training . . . . [For these reasonsand also for the sake of safety I urge you to seek out a competentinstructor to teach you these techniques.]

EXECUTION BY THE NUMBERS

Instructors use execution by the numbers to break down techniquesinto step-by-step phases so soldiers can see clearly how themovements are developed from start to finish. Execution by the

numbers also provides soldiers a way to see the mechanics of eachtechnique. This teaching method allows the instructor to explain indetail the sequence of each movement. For example: on thecommand PHASE ONE, MOVE, the attacker throws a right-hand

punch to the defender's face. At the same time, the defender steps tothe inside of the attacker off the line of attack and moves into

position for the right-hip throw. Assistant instructors are able to


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move freely throughout the training formation and make on-the-spot corrections.

EXECUTION AT COMBAT SPEED

When the instructor is confident that the soldiers being trained areskilled at executing a technique by the numbers, he is ready to havethem execute it at combat speed. Executing movements at combatspeed enables soldiers to see how effective a technique is. Thisbuilds the soldier's confidence in the techniques, allows him todevelop a clear mental picture of the principles behind thetechnique, and gives him confidence in his ability to perform thetechnique during an actual attack. The command is, THE RIGHT-

HIP THROW AT COMBAT SPEED, MOVE. The soldiers then exe-

cute this technique from start to finish.

DRILLS

Drills are used to maintain soldiers' skills in executing techniquesthrough repetition. During these drills, techniques or phases oftechniques are repeated as often as necessary to ensure pro-grammed learning by the soldiers. Subconscious program-ming usually occurs after 25 repetitions of movement.Technique drills help soldiers retain their skills, and they are a

good tool for reviewing techniques already learned.

FOAM PADS

Foam pads . . . are highly recommended to enhance training. Thepads allow full-forced strikes by soldiers and protect theirtraining partners. The pads enable soldiers to feel theeffectiveness of striking techniques and to develop powerin their striking. Instructors should encourage spirited aggres-siveness. Pads can be tackle dummy pads or martial arts striking

pads.

In summary, to train effectively you need to:

1. See each an experienced instructor demonstrate eachtechnique and break it down into steps so that you can . . .


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2. Practice each technique by the numbers to learn proper exe-cution; as practice by the numbers continues, your movements

become more fluid until . . .

3.You are able to practice techniques at combat speed; at this

point, you drill each technique 25 times to imprint it on yourneural pathways. (Use foam pads to protect yourself and yourpractice partner from injury.)

Safety

The following safety precautions come from the Marine CombatTraining Manual. Some of the safety measures dont apply to tech-niques found in this book, but Im including them here so you get anidea of our militarys dedication to preventing injury to trainees.

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

When training close combat techniques, certain safety precautionsmust be adhered to to prevent injuries.

Most training should be conducted on a training area with softfooting such as a sandy or grassy area. If training mats areavailable, they should be used. A hard surface area is notappropriate for close combat training.

All techniques should be executed slowly at first. Marines canincrease the speed of execution as they become more proficient.

Marine-on-Marine training that requires contact (chokes,throws, ground fighting, and unarmed restraints and [joint]manipulation) should not be executed at full force or fullspeed.

If a technique is applied to the point that a Marine is uncom-fortable, the Marine must tap out. This indicates immediaterelease of the pressure being applied or to immediately stop the

technique. The Marine taps out by firmly tapping his handseveral times on any part of the opponents body that will get hisattention or by saying stop.

Second Impact Syndrome occurs when a second concussiondevelops within hours, days, or weeks following a prior concussion(and before recovery from the first concussion). Second Impact


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FUNDAMENTAL

PRINCIPLES OFCLOSE COMBAT


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A technique is the particular applicationof a general principle.


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Fundamental Principles ofClose Combat

Most fights tend to be over rather quickly. As a rule, whoever hitsfirst has the momentum and wins. And, by definition, the attackerwill have the momentum in any confrontation.

That doesnt mean that you should let an attacker get in the firstpunch. If he is intent on violence, you are the defender, even if youhit first. Nevertheless, the principles you find in this chapter willhelp you to transfer the momentum from your attacker to you as thedefender.

MINDSET

From FM 21-150:

Proper mental attitude is of primary importance in the soldier'sability to strike an opponent. In hand-to-hand combat, the soldiermust have the attitude that he will defeat the enemy and completethe mission, no matter what. In a fight to the death, the soldiermust have the frame of mind to survive above all else; the prospectof losing cannot enter his mind. He must commit himself to hit the

opponent continuously with whatever it takes to drive him to theground or end his resistance. A memory aid is, "Thump him anddump him!"

From MCRP 3-02B:

Achieving a decision is important in close combat. An indecisivefight wastes energy and possibly Marines lives. Whether the intentis to control an opponent through restraint or defend themselves inwar, Marines must have a clear purpose before engaging in closecombat andact decisively once engaged.

SURPRISE

From MCRP 3-02B:

Marines must exploit every advantage over an opponent to ensurea successful outcome . . . .Achieving surprise can . . . greatly


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increase leverage. Marines try to achieve surprise through decep-tion, stealth, and ambiguity.

BALANCE

From FM 21-150:

Balance refers to the ability to maintain equilibrium and to remainin a stable, upright position. A hand-to-hand fighter must maintainhis balance both to defend himself and to launch an effective attack.

Without balance, the fighter has no stability with which to defendhimself, nor does he have a base of power for an attack. The fightermust understand two aspects of balance in a struggle:

1.How to move his body to keep or regain his own

balance.A fighter develops balance through experience, butusually he keeps his feet about shoulder-width apart and hisknees flexed. He lowers his center of gravity to increasestability.

2.How to exploit weaknesses in his opponent's bal-ance.Experience also gives the hand-to-hand fighter a senseof how to move his body in a fight to maintain his balancewhile exposing the enemys weak points.

SPEED

From MCRP 3-02B:

Marines use speed to gain the initiative and advantage over theenemy. In close combat, the speed and violence of the attackagainst an opponent provides Marines with a distinct advantage.

Marines must know and understand the basics of close combat sothey can act instinctively with speed to execute close combattechniques.

MOMENTUM

From FM 21-150:

Momentum is the tendency of a body in motion to continue in thedirection of motion unless acted on by another force. Body mass inmotion develops momentum. The greater the body mass or speed of


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movement, the greater the momentum. Therefore, a fighter mustunderstand the effects of this principle and apply it to his advan-tage.

1. The fighter can use his opponents momentum to his advan-

tagethat is, he can place the opponent in a vulnerableposition by using his momentum against him.

(a) The opponents balance can be taken away by using hisown momentum.

(b) The opponent can be forced to extend farther than heexpected, causing him to stop and change his direction ofmotion to continue his attack.

(c) An opponents momentum can be used to add power to a

fighters own attack or counterattack by combining bodymasses in motion.

2. The fighter must be aware that the enemy can also takeadvantage of the principle of momentum. Therefore, the

fighter must avoid placing himself in an awkward orvulnerable position, and he must not allow himself to extendtoo far.

RELAXATION

From MCRP 3-02B:Muscle relaxation is crucial when executing [strikes]. The naturaltendency in a fight is to tense up, which results in rapid fatigue anddecreased power generation. Marines who remain relaxed duringa close combat situation generate greater speed, which results ingreater generation of power.

BODY DYNAMICS

From MCRP 3-02B:Weight transfer is necessary to generate power in a punch.

Marines accomplish this by

Rotating their hips and shoulders into the attack.

Moving their body mass straight forward or backward in astraight line.


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Dropping their body weight into an opponent. Body mass canbe transferred into an attack from high to low or from low tohigh.

SOLID CONTACTFrom FM 21-150:

A strike should be delivered so that the target is hit and the weaponremains on the impact site for at least a tenth of a second. Thisimparts all of the kinetic energy of the strike into the target area,

producing a fluid shock wave that travels into the affected tissueand causes maximum damage. It is imperative that all strikes tovital points and nerve motor points are delivered with this

principle in mind. The memory aid is, "Hit and stick!"

TELEGRAPH-FREE MOVES

From MCRP 3-02B:

Telegraphing a strike occurs when body movements inform theopponent of the intention to launch an attack. Staying relaxed helpsto reduce telegraphing.

Often, an untrained fighter telegraphs his intention to attack bydrawing his hand back in view of his opponent, changing facialexpression, tensing neck muscles, or twitching. These movements,however small, immediately indicate an attack is about to be deli-vered. If the opponent is a trained fighter, he may be able to evadeor counter the attack. If the opponent is an untrained fighter, hemay still be able to minimize the effect of an attack.

USING YOUR HANDS AND FEET IN COMBAT

A fight can be confusing even chaotic to someone who doesnt havemuch experience. Accordingly, let me give you a rule of thumb for

violent encounters:Do whatever damage you can do, as the oppor-tunity presents itself.

The general rule is to use the closest weapon (feet, hands, elbows, orknees) to attack your opponents closest target (knees, eyes, throator groin).


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LONG-RANGE

TECHNIQUES

DISCLAIMER

Fights are dangerous and unpredictable. Training to fight also carrieswith it certain risks. The author does not recommend or advise thatanyone engage in these activities.

Due to varying physical, psychological and ethical differencesbetween individuals, the author can make no guarantees as to thesuitability of any technique in this book with regard to the reader orhis circumstances.

This book is published as an educational and informational service tothe reader. The reader assumes all liability for the decision to use orpractice any activity described in this book.


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Technique #1

Side Kick to Knee

This is a long-distance technique intended to take out the attackersknee as he closes in on you. See fig. 3.

According to the MCRP 3-02B manual, you deliver this kick asfollows:

Raise the right knee waist high and rotate the right hip forward.[see fig. 4]

[The problem with raising your leg to waist height to deliver the kickis that it warns your attacker and allows him to evade or block yourkick. Its better to practice the kick by sending your foot in a straightline from the ground to your attackers knee. If you can do it withoutshifting your weight first, you will eliminate all telegraphs and you

will fall into the kick, putting the full force of your weight againsthis knee.]

Thrust the right foot to the right side toward the opponent, turningthe foot at a 90-degree angle to maximize the striking surface onthe opponent. Contact the opponent with the cutting edge of the

right boot. [See fig. 5]Fairbairn tells you how to brutally increase the effectiveness of thetechnique. He says, Follow the blow through, scraping down youropponent's shin with the edge of your boot from the knee to theinstep, finishing up with all your weight on your right foot, smashingthe small bones of his foot. If necessary, follow up with a chin jab

with your left hand. (Get Tough!)


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Figure 3 (FM 3-25-150)

Figure 4 (MCRP 3-02B) Figure 5 (MCRP 3-02B)


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Figure 6 (FM 21-150)


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Dangerous Application of the Side-Kick

Fig. 6 shows a Side Kick to the midsection. I do not recommend this,as your opponent may catch your leg and put you at a disadvantage.I would not recommend that you aim the side kick any higher thanthe knees.


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Technique #2

Shin Kick to Thigh

Heres another long-range technique. Its based on the fact that amajor nerve (the peroneal nerve) runs down the outside of the thigh.

When it is sharply struck, it causes pain and temporary incapaci-tation. Its not uncommon for someone to collapse as a result of asharp blow to the peroneal nerve.

As your attacker moves in, you kick him in the thigh. Instead ofkicking with your foot, however, you make contact with your shin.

Kick with a snap and pivot your body with the kick to give it maxi-mum force.

The target is three inches above the knee, but you need not hit it pre-cisely. If you strike a couple of inches high or low, the kick will still

be effective.

The US Army FM 3-25-150 says,

The shin kick is a powerful kick, and it is easily performed withlittle training. When the legs are targeted, the kick is hard to defendagainst[Fig 7], and an opponent can be dropped by it.


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Figure 7 (FM 21-150)


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Warrior Wisdom:

Better to totally master 5 techniques than to have 100 you can

do only moderately well. (Paraphrase of Prof. Henry Okazaki) Learn to flow from one technique to another; it may take more

than one to stop your attacker.

Do not continue to inflict injury on your attacker once hes nolonger a threat; to do so can buy you jail time in many

jurisdictions.


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MID-RANGE

TECHNIQUES

DISCLAIMER

Fights are dangerous and unpredictable. Training to fight also carrieswith it certain risks. The author does not recommend or advise thatanyone engage in these activities.




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Technique #3

Judo Chop (Inside)

This is a mid-range technique to use as your opponent gets closer.You can call it shuto or knife hand, but if you grew up in post-WWIIAmerica, you know it as the Judo chop. This is the move thatSpencer Tracys character a one-armed army vet used to stopErnest Borgnine in his tracks in the movieBad Day at Black Rock.

Applegate comments on the Judo Chop saying, The most effectiveof all hand blows is that using the edge of the hand. (Kill or Get

Killed)

The primary target is the side of the neck. The carotid artery islocated there, and the blow will cause a sudden blood pressure spikein the brain, followed by a steep drop in pressure. Unconsciousnessfor several moments can result.

As with the outer thigh, you need not concern yourself with pinpointaccuracy. To the rear of the carotid artery is a nerve network(brachial plexus) and to the front of that lies the vagus nerve, whichregulates the heart. A smart blow anywhere on the side of the neckcan stun your opponent.

Figure 8 shows the area of the hands edge used to make contact. Be

careful not to strike with the edge of the little finger its painful.

The Marine Corps instructions for executing the inside Judo chop asin figure 10:

Bring the right hand over the left shoulder. At the same time, rotatethe right shoulder forward and the left hip forward.

Thrust the knife hand forward (horizontally) onto the opponentwhile rotating the right hip and shoulder forward and the leftshoulder backward.

Fairbairn recommends that you, Deliver the blow with a bent arm(never with a straight arm), using a chopping action from the elbow,

with the weight of the body behind it. Practise by striking the openpalm of your left hand . . . . (Get Tough!)This technique derives itseffectiveness from its speed. The faster you execute it, the better it

will be.


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Figure 8 (MCRP 3-02B) Figure 9 (USNTF)

Figure 10 (MCRP 3-02B)

Note an important differencebetween these illustrationsand the edge of hand blowas taught by Fairbairn &

Applegate.They say that the thumbshould be fully extended to

insure that the hand is not toorelaxed. It also results in anautomatic extension of thefingers.
http://mail.google.com/mail/?view=att&disp=inline&attid=0.1&th=106940bab1fb5b07


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Technique #4

Judo Chop (Outside)

Like the Inside technique, the Outside Judo Chop makes contact

with the edge of the hand. The difference is that the palm is up, as infigure 11.

The knife hand is one of the most versatile and devastating strikes.The striking surface is the cutting edge of the hand, which is themeaty portion of the hand below the little finger extending to thetop of the wrist. The striking surface is narrow, allowing strikes onthe neck between the opponents body armor and helmet. (MCRP 3-02B)

The Marine Corps instructions for executing the outside Judo chopas in figure 12:

Execute a knife hand by extending and joining the fingers of theright hand and placing the thumb next to the forefinger (likesaluting).

Retract the right hand. At the same time, rotate the right hip and

right shoulder backward. Thrust the knife hand forward (horizon-tally) onto the opponent while rotating the right hip and shoulderforward.

Fairbairn et al. teach only the inside Judo Chop. This strike from theoutside is a little harder to learn and requires a little more practice,

but it increases the number of angles from which you can strike.Practice for speed and accuracy with your hands from various start-ing positions.


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Figure 11 (FM 21-150)



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Techniques #5&6

Palm Heel Chin Jab/Tiger Claw

The Palm Heel Chin Jab is another mid-range technique. The oppo-nent tries to surprise the defender by lunging at him. The defenderquickly counters by striking his opponent with a palm-heel strike tothe chin [See fig. 13], using maximum force. (FM 21-150)

It can immediately render an opponent unconscious and cause ext-ensive damage to the neck and spine. The striking surface is theheel of the palm of the hand. (MCRP 3-02B, see fig. 14)

The Marine Corps instructions for the Palm Heel Chin Jab:

Keep the right arm bent and close to the body. Extend the hand into

a concave position with the fingers slightly spread apart. [See fig.16 note that this telegraphs your intent; see comment by Fairbairn,

below.]

Step forward with the left foot toward the opponent, keeping thefeet approximately shoulderwidth apart and the knees bent. This isdone to close with the opponent.

Keep the right arm bent and close to the side. Thrust the palm of thehand directly up under the opponents chin. At the same time,

rotate the right hip forward to drive the body weight into the attackto increase the power of the strike. [See fig. 17] The attack shouldtravel up the centerline of the opponents chest to his chin.

Fairbairn says, Never draw your hand back, thus signaling yourintention of striking. From start to finish, make every movement asquickly as possible, and Deliver this blow with the heel of yourhand, full force, with the weight of your body behind it, and fingersspread so as to reach your opponent's eyes [see fig 15] . . . .Alwaysaim at the point of your opponent's chin. (Get Tough!) The follow-

up attack into the eyes is known as the Tiger Claw.

Fairbairn also gives a method to practice the Chin Jab full force,without a partner. He says, Practise this blow as follows: Hold yourleft hand at the height of your own chin, palm downwards; jab upquickly with your right, striking your left hand . . . . (Get Tough!)


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Figure 13 (FM 21-150)




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Palm Heel vs. Fist

It may surprise you that these lessons contain no instruction onpunching with a closed fist. This stems, in part from my years inhospital security. Over several years I observed men brought into theER to treat injuries from fights.

During that time, I dont remember any broken jaws or crackedskulls. Invariably, though, the one who punched his opponent in the

face or head incurred a broken bone in his hand. In one case, a manhad a laceration on his cheek because the other guy punched himwhile wearing a ring. X-rays revealed that the puncher had brokenhis ring finger.

The reason boxers tape their hands and wear padded gloves is toprotect their hands. Occasionally, a hard punch will break a bone inthe punchers hand, in spite of the padding. And lets not forget pro

boxer Mike Tyson, who broke his hand punching someone outsidethe ring.

Its true; you can punch effectively to the body with minimal risk toyour hands. Nevertheless, you can also strike the body effectivelywith a Palm Heel or Thumb Strike (see Bonus #2, Use of Thumb).

Warrior Wisdom:

Protect yourself and your training partner; practice full-force strikesagainst padding or a practice dummy.


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CLOSE-RANGE

TECHNIQUES

DISCLAIMER

Fights are dangerous and unpredictable. Training to fight also carries

with it certain risks. The author does not recommend or advise thatanyone engage in these activities.




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Technique #7

Elbow Strike (Forward, Vertical)

The Elbow Strike is a close-range technique. Figure 18 shows thecontact area for a forward Elbow Strike. You can execute this whenup very close to your opponent, as in figure 19. The photos leavemore space so you can see the technique.

The elbows are also formidable weapons; tremendous strikingpower can be generated from them. The point of the elbow should bethe point of impact. The elbows are strongest when kept in front ofthe body and in alignment with the shoulder joint; that is, neverstrike with the elbow out to the side of the body. (FM 21-150)

MCRP 3-02B gives the following instructions for a Forward VerticalElbow Strike:

To execute an upward vertical elbow strike, Marines

Bend the right elbow, keeping the fist close to the body. The fist is atshoulder level and the elbow is next to the torso. [See fig 19)

Thrust the elbow vertically upward toward the opponent whilerotating the right shoulder and hip forward to generate additional

power. [see fig 20]


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Figure 18 (MCRP 3-02B) Figure 19 (FM 21-150)



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Technique # 8

Elbow Strike (Forward, Horizontal)

As already noted, elbows are close-range weapons. Applegate con-

firms this: The elbow is generallybest used when it is impossibleto swing the fist or hand, or to use the feet because the opponent istoo close. It is very effective when used against the jaw . . . . (Kill orGet Killed)

The Armys FM 3-25-150 concurs:

Elbow strikes can be devastating blows and are very useful at closerange. You should remember that they gain their power from the

hips and legs. (FM 3-25-150)

MCRP 3-02B tells how to perform the Forward Horizontal ElbowStrike:

To execute the forward horizontal elbow strike, Marines

Tuck the right fist near the chest with the palm heel facing theground. [see fig 21]

Thrust the right elbow horizontally forward toward the opponent.The forearm is parallel to the ground. (See fig 22]

Rotate the right shoulder and hip forward to generate additionalpower.

There is a difference between Army and Marine Corps in executingthis technique. Both agree the palm should be down, but instead ofclosing the fist, the Army recommends to keep the hand open as inthis instruction from FM 3-25-150 and as shown in figures 23 & 24:

A horizontal elbow strike is thrown almost exactly like a hook, withthe exception that at the moment of impact the palm should be

facing the ground.


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Figure 23 (FM 3-25-150) Figure 24 (FM 21-150)


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Technique #9

Elbow Strike (Rear)

Up close and behind is the worst place for you to have your attacker.The Rear Elbow Strike is one technique that may save you from thisdifficult situation.

Figure 25 shows the contact area for a Rear Elbow Strike.

Here are the MCRP 3-02B instructions for a Rear Elbow Strike:

To execute the rear horizontal elbow strike, Marines

Tuck the right fist near the left shoulder with the palm heel facingthe ground. At the same time, rotate the right shoulder forwardand the left hip forward. [fig 26]

Thrust the right elbow horizontally rearward toward the opponent.The forearm is parallel to the ground and the hand moves towardthe direction of the attack. [fig 27]

Note: Although Applegate mentions elbow strikes, Fairbairn does

not. Styers includes elbow techniques in the unarmed combat sec-tion ofCold Steel, and so does Biddle inDo or Die.


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Technique #10

Knee Strike (Vertical)

Knee strikes are very-close-quarter techniques. If your attackercloses in to grapple with you, you can use the Vertical Knee Strike tothe groin (fig 28)

FM 21-150 tells how to perform the knee strike:

The knee strike to the groin is effective during close-in grappling.

The defender gains control by grabbing his opponent's head, hair,ears, or shoulders and strikes him in the groin with his knee [seefigure28].

Fairbairn suggests, This blow is frequently used to bring youropponent into a more favorable position for applying the chin jab.(Get Tough!)


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Figure 28 (FM 21-150)


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Technique #11

Knee Strike (Vertical, 2nd version)

Men tend to protect their groin areas instinctively. Therefore, youmay not find it possible to land a knee strike there. For that reason,

both the Army and the Marine Corps have a version of the VerticalKnee Strike that targets the inner thigh rather than the groin.

FM 21-150 notes:

An effective technique for close-in grappling is when the defenderdelivers a knee strike to the inside of his opponent's thigh [femoralnerve, see fig 29]. The defender then executes a follow-up techniqueto a vital point.

MCRP 3-02B gives the following description of this knee strike:

The striking surface is the thigh, slightly above the knee. To executethe vertical knee strike, Marines

Raise the right knee and drive it up forcefully into the opponent.

Power is generated by thrusting the leg upward. [See fig 30]

Note that the Army version depicts the defender using his left kneeto strike his opponents left thigh; the Marine version, though, showsthe defender using his right knee to attack his opponents left thigh.


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Figure 29 (FM 21-150)



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Technique #12

Knee Strike (Horizontal)

This is actually a close-in version of the Shin Kick to the outer thigh.

MCRP 3-02B gives this description of the Horizontal Knee Strike:

The horizontal knee strike is executed with the leg generallyparallel with the ground while rotating the hips to generate power.It is often delivered to the peroneal nerve. The striking surface isthe front of the leg, slightly above or below the knee.

To execute the horizontal knee strike, Marines

Raise the right knee, rotate the right hip forward while pivoting onthe left foot, and drive the knee horizontally into the opponent.


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Warrior Wisdom:

After youve mastered a technique standing, practice it from otherpositions sitting in a chair, lying in bed or on the ground.


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BONUS

INFORMATION


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BONUS #1: VITAL TARGETS

The following charts and explanations come from FM 21-150:

The body is divided into three sections: high, middle, and low. Each

section contains vital targets [fig 32]. The effects of striking thesetargets follow:

Figure 32


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Figure 33

a. High Section. The high section includes the head and neck; it isthe most dangerous target area.

(1) Top of the head. The skull is weak where the frontal cranial bonesjoin. A forceful strike causes trauma to the cranial cavity, resulting in


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unconsciousness and hemorrhage. A severe strike can result indeath.

(2) Forehead. A forceful blow can cause whiplash; a severe blow cancause cerebral hemorrhage and death.

(3) Temple. The bones of the skull are weak at the temple, and anartery and large nerve lie close to the skin. A powerful strike cancause unconsciousness and brain concussion. If the artery issevered, the resulting massive hemorrhage compresses the brain,causing coma and or death.

(4) Eyes. A slight jab in the eyes causes uncontrollable watering andblurred vision. A forceful jab or poke can cause temporary blindness,or the eyes can be gouged out. Death can result if the fingerspenetrate through the thin bone behind the eyes and into the brain.

(5) Ears. A strike to the ear with cupped hands can rupture theeardrum and may cause a brain concussion.

(6) Nose. Any blow can easily break the thin bones of the nose,causing extreme pain and eye watering.

(7) Under the nose. A blow to the nerve center, which is close to thesurface under the nose, can cause great pain and watery eyes.

(8) Jaw. A blow to the jaw can break or dislocate it. If the facialnerve is pinched against the lower jaw, one side of the face will be

paralyzed.(9) Chin. A blow to the chin can cause paralysis, mild concussion,and unconsciousness. The jawbone acts as a lever that can transmitthe force of a blow to the back of the brain where the cardiac andrespiratory mechanisms are controlled.

(10) Back of ears and base of skull. A moderate blow to the back ofthe ears or the base of the skull can cause unconsciousness by the

jarring effect on the back of the brain. However, a powerful blow cancause a concussion or brain hemorrhage and death.

(11) Throat. A powerful blow to the front of the throat can causedeath by crushing the windpipe. A forceful blow causes extreme painand gagging or vomiting.

(12) Side of neck. A sharp blow to the side of the neck causesunconsciousness by shock to the carotid artery, jugular vein, and

vagus nerve. For maximum effect, the blow should be focused below


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and slightly in front of the ear. A less powerful blow causes invol-untary muscle spasms and intense pain. The side of the neck is oneof the best targets to use to drop an opponent immediately or todisable him temporarily to finish him later.

(13) Back of neck. A powerful blow to the back of one's neck cancause whiplash, concussion, or even a broken neck and death.

b. Middle Section. The middle section extends from the shoulders tothe area just above the hips. Most blows to vital points in this regionare not fatal but can have serious, long-term complications thatrange from trauma to internal organs to spinal cord injuries.

(1) Front of shoulder muscle. A large bundle of nerves passes in frontof the shoulder joint. A forceful blow causes extreme pain and canmake the whole arm ineffective if the nerves are struck just right.

(2) Collarbone. A blow to the collarbone can fracture it, causingintense pain and rendering the arm on the side of the fractureineffective. The fracture can also sever the brachial nerve orsubclavian artery.

(3) Armpit. A large nerve lies close to the skin in each armpit. A blowto this nerve causes severe pain and partial paralysis. A knifeinserted into the armpit is fatal as it severs a major artery leadingfrom the heart.

(4) Spine. A blow to the spinal column can sever the spinal cord,resulting in paralysis or in death.

(5) Nipples. A large network of nerves passes near the skin at thenipples. A blow here can cause extreme pain and hemorrhage to themany blood vessels beneath.

(6) Heart. A jolting blow to the heart can stun the opponent andallow time for follow-up or finishing techniques.

(7) Solar plexus. The solar plexus is a center for nerves that controlthe cardiorespiratory system. A blow to this location is painful and

can take the breath from the opponent. A powerful blow causesunconsciousness by shock to the nerve center. A penetrating blowcan also damage internal organs.

(8) Diaphragm. A blow to the lower front of the ribs can cause thediaphragm and the other muscles that control breathing to relax.


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This causes loss of breath and can result in unconsciousness due torespiratory failure.

(9) Floating ribs. A blow to the floating ribs can easily fracture thembecause they are not attached to the rib cage. Fractured ribs on the

right side can cause internal injury to the liver; fractured ribs oneither side can possibly puncture or collapse a lung.

(10) Kidneys. A powerful blow to the kidneys can induce shock andcan possibly cause internal injury to these organs. A stab to thekidneys induces instant shock and can cause death from severeinternal bleeding.

(11) Abdomen below navel. A powerful blow to the area below thenavel and above the groin can cause shock, unconsciousness, andinternal bleeding.

(12) Biceps. A strike to the biceps is most painful and renders thearm ineffective. The biceps is an especially good target when anopponent holds a weapon.

(13) Forearm muscle. The radial nerve, which controls much of themovement in the hand, passes over the forearm bone just below theelbow. A strike to the radial nerve renders the hand and armineffective. An opponent can be disarmed by a strike to the forearm;if the strike is powerful enough, he can be knocked unconscious.

(14) Back of hand. The backs of the hands are sensitive. Since thenerves pass over the bones in the hand, a strike to this area isintensely painful. The small bones on the back of the hand are easily

broken and such a strike can also render the hand ineffective.

c. Low Section. The low section of the body includes everything fromthe groin area to the feet. Strikes to these areas are seldom fatal, butthey can be incapacitating.

(1) Groin. A moderate blow to the groin can incapacitate anopponent and cause intense pain. A powerful blow can result in

unconsciousness and shock.(2) Outside of thigh. A large nerve passes near the surface on theoutside of the thigh about four finger-widths above the knee. Apowerful strike to this region can render the entire leg ineffective,causing an opponent to drop. This target is especially suitable forknee strikes and shin kicks.


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(3) Inside of thigh. A large nerve passes over the bone about in themiddle of the inner thigh. A blow to this area also incapacitates theleg and can cause the opponent to drop. Knee strikes and heel kicksare the weapons of choice for this target.

(4) Hamstring. A severe strike to the hamstring can cause musclespasms and inhibit mobility. If the hamstring is cut, the leg isuseless.

(5) Knee. Because the knee is a major supporting structure of thebody, damage to this joint is especially detrimental to an opponent.The knee is easily dislocated when struck at an opposing angle to the

joint's normal range of motion, especially when it is bearing theopponent's weight. The knee can be dislocated or hyperextended bykicks and strikes with the entire body.

(6) Calf. A powerful blow to the top of the calf causes painful musclespasms and also inhibits mobility.

(7) Shin. A moderate blow to the shin produces great pain, especiallya blow with a hard object. A powerful blow can possibly fracture the

bone that supports most of the body weight.

(8) Achilles tendon. A powerful strike to the Achilles tendon on theback of the heel can cause ankle sprain and dislocation of the foot. Ifthe tendon is torn, the opponent is incapacitated. The Achillestendon is a good target to cut with a knife.

(9) Ankle. A blow to the ankle causes pain; if a forceful blow isdelivered, the ankle can be sprained or broken.

(10) Instep. The small bones on the top of the foot are easily broken.A strike here will hinder the opponent's mobility.


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BONUS #2: USE OF THE THUMB

In a serious attack, where your life or limb is at stake, I recommendthat you stick to the Dirty Dozen techniques described in the main

part of this book. There may be some instances, however, when itwill be useful to subdue an opponent by means of striking sensitiveareas, as described in Appendix A. One of the most useful body

weapons for achieving this is the thumb.

You may have seen Sean Connerys character use this method on thetough guy in the biker bar in the movie The Presidio. Do not, how-ever, forewarn your opponent as Connery did in the movie. His fight

was scripted, and you need all the advantage you can get, includingsurprise.

To perform these techniques, you must first make a fist. But insteadof folding your thumb down across your fingers, lay it down straighton top of your fist. It should stick out about a half inch or so,depending on the length of your thumb. To avoid injury to yourthumb, press it tightly against your first finger.

In this position, your thumb becomes like the end of a stick whichyou can poke into soft, sensitive areas of your attackers anatomy.

FM 21-150 describes two of the strikes, as follows:

The defender uses the thumb strike to the throat[see fig 34] as aneffective technique when an opponent is rushing him or trying tograb him. The defender thrusts his right arm and thumb out andstrikes his opponent in the throat-larynx area while holding his lefthand high for protection. He can follow up with a disabling blow tohis opponent's vital areas.

The opponent rushes the defender and tries to grab him. Thedefender strikes the opponent's shoulder joint or upper pectoralmuscle with his fist or thumb [see fig 35]. This technique is painfuland renders the opponent's arm numb. The defender then followsup with a disabling movement.

You can aim the same technique at the solar plexus, the kidneys or atany nerve center or soft target on the body.


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Figure 34 (FM 21-150)

Figure 35 (FM 21-150)


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Bonus #3: Breaking Holds

Most books on self defense begin with a section on breaking freefrom holds. This is not psychologically sound in that it leads to thenotion that defense does not begin until the attacker has put hishands on you. If you are properly alert, you should be able to defend

yourself before an attacker gets the chance to grab hold of you.

Fairbairn did include a section on breaking holds in Get Tough!However, he wisely positioned it after the chapter on Blows.

Although they differ from the ones he published, the followingtechniques are simple and some build on the Dirty Dozen youvealready learned.

These moves may require more repetitions to master than the 12basic techniques, so plan to spend more time learning them.


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THE FRONT CHOKE

From FM 21-150:The opponent attacks the defender with a frontal choke. The defen-der has the option of going over or under the opponent's arms. Todisable the opponent, the defender inserts both thumbs into hisopponent's eyes and tries to gouge them [fig. 36] The defender is

prepared to follow-up with an attack to the vital regions.

Figure 36 (FM 21-150)

A soldier must know how to defend against being choked. Incapaci-

tation and unconsciousness can occur within three seconds;therefore, it is crucial for the defender to know . . . counters tochokes.

Note: If your attackers arms are too long for you to reach his eyes,use the technique on the following page.


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REAR AND FRONT CHOKES

Notice that both these techniques incorporate the Rear Elbow Strike.

Rear choke from FM 21-150:

As the opponent tries a rear choke [fig 37-A, step 1], the defendercan break the opponent's grip with a strong rear-elbow strike intothe solar plexus [fig 37-A, step 2].

He can follow with a shin scrape down along the opponent's legand stomp the foot[fig 37-A, step 3].

He may wish to continue by striking the groin of the opponent[fig

37-A, step 4].

Front choke from FM 21-150:

As the opponent begins a frontal choke [fig 37-A, step 1] thedefender turns his body and drops one arm between the opponent'sarms [fig 37-A, step 2].

Note that this places the defenders shoulder against his attackershand or wrist so that his entire body weight comes into play againstone of the attackers wrists. Now back to FM 21-150:

He sinks his body weight and drives his own hand to the ground,and then explodes upward with an elbow strike [fig 37-A, step3]into the opponent's chin, stomach, or groin.

This technique is similar to one in Cosnecks American CombatJudo.


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Figure 37 (FM 21-150)


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WRIST OR ARM GRAB

This technique is not hard to learn and inflicts a lot of pain. You canuse it against a two-hand grab on your arm or a one-handed grab of

your arm or wrist. As you learn, take it slowly and follow the instruc-tions as you refer to the illustrations.

From FM 21-150:

When an opponent grabs a defender's arm, the defender rotates hisarm to grab the opponent's forearm [fig 38, step1].

At the same time, he secures his other hand on the gripping hand ofthe opponent to prevent his escape [fig 38, step 2].

As the defender steps in toward the opponent and maintains hisgrip on the hand and forearm, a zee shape is formed by the oppo-nent's arm; this is an effective wristlock [fig 38, step 3]. More pain

can be induced by trying to put the opponent's fingers in his owneyes.


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Figure 38 (FM 21-150)


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Rear Head Lock

Rear head lock from MCRP 3-02B:

To execute the counter to the rear headlock, Marines

Grasp the opponents wrist and forearm with the right hand andpull down to clear the airway. Once the airway is clear, tuck thechin to protect the airway and to prevent the opponent fromreapplying the choke. [Fig 40]

Reach over the opponents right shoulder with the left arm. [Fig 41]

Grab any part of the opponents face (chin, nose, eyes) and pull backwhile rising to a standing position. Execute, with the right hand, ahammer fist strike to the opponents exposed throat. [Fig 42 -- Notethat any blow to the throat can be fatal. In a civilian situation, be

aware of moral and legal consequences.]


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12 military combat techniques

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